10:37 am, October 22nd, 2012
(GettyImages.com)
Jennifer Esposito is at war with CBS after being written out of the network’s police drama “Blue Bloods.”
The actress played Jackie Curatola on the series until being sidelined, and controversy has now erupted over the circumstances of Esposito’s dismissal.
Over the weekend, CBS explained in a statement, “Jennifer has informed us that she is only available to work on a very limited part-time schedule. As a result, she’s unable to perform the demands of her role and we regretfully had to put her character on a leave of absence.”
The network added, “She is a wonderfully talented actress and we hope that she will be able to return at some point in the future.”
But an angry Esposito, who has Celiac disease, took to Twitter to slam the network for its “absolutely shameful behavior” in handling her health following an August incident in which she collapsed on the “Blue Bloods” set.
“CBS knows [it] PUT me on unpaid leave [and] has blocked me from working anywhere else after my doc said u needed a reduced schedule due to celiac,” wrote Esposito, adding, “CBS didn’t listen to my doc and I collapsed on set. Which everyone saw!”
She continued, “After a week off my doc said I could return to work but CBS… implied that I was NOT truly ill and this was a scheme to get a raise! It’s been almost two months without brining me back to work + keeping [me] from working anywhere else!”
Referring to the initial reports of her parting ways with the show, which did not mention any tension between Esposito and CBS over her health, the actress wrote, “So no that article is not telling you the truth. Absolutely shameful behavior.”
She then encouraged her followers, “If you feel this is unjust use your voice. That’s all we have sometimes… I love you all for the support need to rest now the whole situation brakes my heart. Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo.”
Esposito’s lawyer William J. Briggs II tells the New York Post, “Jennifer and her doctor requested she be allowed to work on a reduced schedule. CBS has refused to accommodate this request, has replaced her character on the series, but will not let her out of her contract, or permit her to work on any other production.”
Gossip Cop will have updates on the situation.
Esposito’s final episode is scheduled to air on November 2.
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